Object of Lust

Since Monday the world’s watch collectors and aficionados have gathered in Geneva for the annual Watches & Wonders exhibition. This unique tradeshow held yearly is one of the most anticipated events on the Collector Agenda and is where all the top-tier watch brands unveil their latest creations and innovations.

Amongst the brands on display showcasing their spring releases were Rolex, Patek Phillipe, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, Piaget, Tag Heuer and Jacob & Co.

Here are a few of the exciting models that have caught our eye:

1- Jacob& Co.’s $20 million Billionaire Timeless Treasure

Released on Monday evening, the Billionaire watch has quickly become the talk of the show. Not only for its whopping price tag, but also due to the sheer amount of work and time that’s gone into sourcing the 880 carats of rough yellow diamonds from which the watch was made. Composed of 425 gems laid out individually as a mosaic of small dimension and yet, unprecedented scale, the Billionaire Timeless treasure is a true work of art. And the cherry on top? A skeletonised tourbillon movement adorned with a further 57 yellow baguette-cut diamonds.

2- Rolex’s Day-Date 36 Time Stamped with Emoticon

It was only a week ago, that watch giant Rolex took to Instagram to announce the unveiling of its upcoming releases at Watches & Wonders. The brief teaser had crown lovers speculating on what might emerge and our intrigue ensued. We were therefore stunned to discover the brand’s latest release available in 3 variants- Rolex’s Day-Date 36 Time Stamped with Emoticon. Shedding its usual inhibitions, Rolex took to gaiety for its latest design moving on the 1956 calendar wristwatch with inspirational keywords in the 12 o’clock aperture. With these versions of the Day-Date 36, Rolex brings an unexpected creative twist to one of its iconic models. By displaying a new emotion each day, the watch brings an element of spontaneity into the wearers’ daily life and allows them to invest the reading of time with their changing mood. Hype watch or collectible, we’re still unsure but we can sure get our head around its whimsical nature.

3- Cartier’s Santos Dumont XL

This time last year, Cartier unveiled lacquered models of the Santos Dumont and they stole the show. This year, the brand pulls an encore, but this time differently. The latest iteration of last year’s knockout is a trio of XL models in different precious metal: platinum, rose gold and yellow gold. Each colourway features a dial decorated in Roman numerals cut directly in jasper, jade and dumortierite, which matches the colour of its cabochons. Limited to a production of 200 units per colour, these watches feature an extremely complex skeletal movement that’s bound to mesmerise any watch collector.

4-Piaget Polo Quantième Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

Every watch collector is familiar with the thin watch craze that has been driving recent horological developments, but did you know that Piaget has been spearheading ultra-thin since the 50s?

Ever the achiever, the Swiss watchmaker reached new heights this year when it unveiled its Piaget Polo Quantième Perpétuel Extra-Thin. Measuring just 8.65 mm thick overall, this horological marvel houses one of the most emblematic complications with a moon phase mechanism. Its extreme slimness makes it a pleasure to wear on the wrist and  we’re sure will attract the most discerning of collectors.

5-Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar Ref. 5621R

With watch brands ever striving to cater their offering to female enthusiasts, we were delighted to discover Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar (ref.5621R). Unlike most ladies’ watches, which are covered in diamonds, this non-gem set model encased in rose gold boasting a visually stimulating colour combination, is the first style from the Aquanaut collection to feature the famous patented Patek Philippe Annual Calendar mechanism from 1996. Although typically feminine the 39.9 mm diameter watch will look equally as good on men. A must have for any collector and at a significantly lower price point than any other piece in Aquanaut Luce collection.